The Pope has said he is facing a “period of trial” as he issues his traditional Sunday prayer from hospital.
Pope Francis, 88, also thanked worshippers for “all your prayers” as well as those “who assist me with such dedication”.
The pontiff is being treated at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.
Doctors at the facility say he is no longer in a critical condition – having been admitted with bronchitis on 14 February and later diagnosed with double pneumonia and a polymicrobial infection.
But they stress that his age and lack of mobility mean his situation remains complex.
He issued his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer, which added: “I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.”
“Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.”
Praising his medical team, he said: “How much light shines, in this sense, in hospitals and places of care! How much loving care illuminates the rooms, the corridors, the clinics, the places where the humblest services are performed!”
The pontiff also offered his prayers to “countries wounded by war… tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo”.
The pope usually delivers the prayer – on the second Sunday of Lent – from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square in front of the Vatican.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
